Case Management: The Heart of Open Door’s Services
- Open Door
- Oct 29
- 4 min read
At Open Door Ministries, providing a roof and a hot meal is only the beginning. True transformation happens through case management: the often unseen but essential work that helps individuals rebuild their lives from the inside out.
Case management at Open Door Ministries (ODM) is a guest-centered, collaborative process that connects guests with critical resources such as acquiring IDs (SSN, birth certificates, drivers' licenses), mental health care, employment readiness, financial education, etc. Although every program has a unique case management process; each case manager's goal is to meet guests where they are, address immediate and long-term needs, and guide them toward stability and hope.
Case Management at Men’s Shelter
The Men’s Shelter housed a total of 402 individuals in 2024. 90% of all guests utilized our case management service, with a near perfect success rate on meeting their needs.
“Sometimes I am a housing liaison, sometimes I am a nurse, and sometimes I am an advocate.” Shared by Stacie, the Men’s Shelter Case Manager: “most guests come to homeless shelter with a plan and a goal, they just need time, space, resources, and the opportunity to work on it. My job is to make sure they have the support that they need. We go through the housing assessment, coordinate entry, understand their needs, connect them with programs like counseling, rehab, addiction recovery, track their progress via HIMS (Homeless Information Management Systems), follow up, and try to ensure successful outcome.”
Unlike popular misconceptions, homelessness can be a result of many stigmas: substance abuse and poor life choices only compose a small percentage of all. In the shelter, we have assisted many individuals who were survivors of violence, trafficking, injuries, and natural disasters. Without proper case management, guests could feel lost, unmotivated, or defeated by their challenges, which will lead to longer stays in the shelter, poor mental health, and a higher likelihood of repeating homeless or behavioral patterns.
“We are change agents. We go above and beyond every day to provide assistance. The homeless population is already very marginalized; sometimes it is hard to establish trust and confidence. Regardless, we want our guests to see and know that someone is working hard to care for them, they are seen, they are loved for who they are, and encouraged for who they want to be.” Stacie said.
Case Management at Arthur Cassell Transitional House
Different from the Men’s Shelter, which is a 30-day emergency shelter, Arthur Cassell House (ACTH) offers 2-year transitional housing for homeless veterans. Working closely with the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the program advocates for each resident’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.
“Many homeless veterans struggle with substance abuse. Arthur Cassell is a sober facility; no drugs or alcohol are allowed on campus. The residents are not required to be sober at intake, but the goal is to help them stay on track and reach sobriety.” Shared by Sam, one of ACTH’s case managers.
At Arthur Cassell, the veterans have access to a well-established community area with fitness equipment, kitchen, small library, and entertainment options like TV. Partner agencies and volunteers visit regularly to organize group sessions on a wide variety of topics, like budgeting, mental health, conflict management, resume workshops, etc. All residents are seen and followed up by Case Managers throughout their entire stay, each of them has an individualized progress guided by the case management team.
When asked “what are some of the most common needs”, Sam expressed: “the two biggest challenges are depression and anxiety. Many veterans suppress emotions because they fear being seen as weak. Many are unaware of the resources that are available to them or lack transportation to get to them if they have a disability.” This is where the case managers step in: provide resources according to individual needs, be the critical steps that help turn survival into stability.
Despite countless success stories, case management is not without heartbreak. Both Stacie and Sam have witnessed setbacks, relapses, and recurring crises. Yet their commitment never wavers.
“It’s a thankless job. But every time when I see someone transition to housing successfully or receive a phone call from a former guest saying thank you... it makes it all worth it.” - Stacie.
“No matter how much effort it takes, we want each resident to leave here emotionally stronger, with the tools and skillsets to handle challenges.” - Sam.
Here are some ways that you can support our case managers and the services they represent:
For donors: your contributions funds hygiene products, ID fees, housing expenses, transportation to job interviews, professional clothing's, etc.
For Volunteers: your skills and time can help guests build resumes, host workshops, organize donations, or simply listen.
For local businesses: you can become partners in workforce re-entry, or resource sharing.
Just like our executive director Ryan shared in an interview: “We are not simply asking for money. We are asking you to fight for what your donation supports: someone’s second chance.”
Here at Open Door Ministries, case management bridges the gap between crisis and resiliency. It’s the difference between surviving and thriving. And, most importantly, it would not be possible without people like Stacie, Sam, and supporters like you.
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ABOUT OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES
Open Door Ministries is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people regain their lives through supportive services and emergency assistance. Our programs and services are solution-oriented, and ministry minded, including the operation of a homeless shelter, serving daily meals, distributing non-perishable and fresh food, obtaining permanent housing, providing emergency assistance and acquiring and maintaining permanent jobs.
Our mission is "to serve, empower, and minister to guests in order to prevent and end hunger and homelessness through advocacy, education, housing, and coordination of services."
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